Max Verstappen shines once more: 2026 Sao Paulo GP F1 driver ratings
Max Verstappen just keeps amazing us! He’s now earned his third podium starting from the back in three races in Brazil. This time, he finished second after starting 20th, adding to his win from 17th in 2024 and a podium from the pitlane last year. Lando Norris took the win, and Lewis Hamilton had a brilliant lap, but today was definitely Verstappen’s show.
Here’s how the drivers did:
1. Lando Norris: 9/10
Top of the field—except for Max, of course!
2. Max Verstappen: 10/10
Tricky weather on one of F1’s toughest tracks? No problem for Max.
3. Isack Hadjar: 9/10
His best F1 race yet. Probably still chatting with the team about something!
4. George Russell: 7/10
Would rate higher if not for that frustrating spin in the pitlane—typical of his season.
5. Kimi Antonelli: 7/10
Always busy out there. Took the lead, spun off, but fought back to fifth.
6. Oscar Piastri: 7/10
Unfortunately, this was one of his better 2026 results. Still behind teammate Lando though.
7. Liam Lawson: 8/10
Pulled his Racing Bulls car into a decent spot most of the race but finished eighth against quicker cars.
8. Charles Leclerc: 5/10
Pretty quiet most of the race but came back near the end thanks to strategy.
9. Lewis Hamilton: 5/10
A tough race for the team more than Lewis—his first lap was amazing, moving from 20th to 9th.
10. Nico Hulkenberg: 8/10
This track suits him. He’s had some unforgettable moments here and gave a solid performance again.
11. Arvid Lindblad: 7/10
Moved up from 18th to 11th, rocking his special Diwali crash helmet. Nice job!
12. Fernando Alonso: 9/10
Tamed one of the worst cars ever made by his team to finish 12th. Impressive!
13. Franco Colapinto: 5/10
A bit disappointing for the Argentinian in his home race.
14. Pierre Gasly: 4/10
Not his best—Alpine struggled big time in Brazil.
15. Alexander Albon: 7/10
15th place is pretty good for Albon and Williams right now.
16. Gabriel Bortoleto: 4/10
Hoped for more in his second home race.
17. Oliver Bearman: 3/10
Started strong but his Haas couldn’t keep up.
18. Sergio Perez: 8/10
Held his own against faster cars for much of the race.
19. Carlos Sainz: 3/10
A miserable day for Sainz and his team.
20. Rafael Camara: 2/10
A tough first race for a promising rookie.
21. Lance Stroll: 0/10
Having a rough time, worse than last week’s 1/10.
22. Valtteri Bottas: 0/10
Stuck on the grid because the team couldn’t fix a wheel nut issue. Ouch.
It was an exciting race with plenty of ups and downs for everyone!